5PM 8-4-11 Update: Emily didn't survive the mountains of Hispaniola after all. The system has degenerated to a remnant low and is nothing but a heavy rain threat to the island nations. It may regenerate in a few days over the Atlantic, and if it does, it will remain "Emily."
Tropical Storm Emily continues to batter the island of Hispaniola, dumping incredible amounts of rain over the Dominican Republic and Haiti over the last few days. The NHC says that when it's all said and done, Emily is expected to have dumped 6-12 inches of rain, with isolated amounts of 20 inches where the heaviest bands set up. Because of the rugged terrain and poor drainage in the DR and Haiti, life-threatening flash floods and mudslides are a very big hazard with this system. Emily only exacerbates poor living conditions in Haiti, which is still trying to recover from the January 2010 earthquake.
Here is the 2PM advisory from the Hurricane Center. This forecast assumes that Emily survives the mountains of Hispaniola.
Tropical Storm Emily continues to batter the island of Hispaniola, dumping incredible amounts of rain over the Dominican Republic and Haiti over the last few days. The NHC says that when it's all said and done, Emily is expected to have dumped 6-12 inches of rain, with isolated amounts of 20 inches where the heaviest bands set up. Because of the rugged terrain and poor drainage in the DR and Haiti, life-threatening flash floods and mudslides are a very big hazard with this system. Emily only exacerbates poor living conditions in Haiti, which is still trying to recover from the January 2010 earthquake.
Here is the 2PM advisory from the Hurricane Center. This forecast assumes that Emily survives the mountains of Hispaniola.
Meanwhile here in the US, folks are still dealing with major heat and summertime thunderstorms. Numerous all-time record highs were set yesterday, including 114°F in Little Rock AR, and two 115°F readings in Ft. Smith and Russellville AR (the latter of which fell just short of a record). The temperature is expected to be just as brutal today, with high temperatures easily reaching over 100°F and heat indices approaching 120°F in some places.
Some severe thunderstorms are expected over these same high-heat areas today, with the main threat being the potential for damaging wind gusts in excess of 60MPH in any severe thunderstorm that develops. More severe weather is expected over western Nebraska, western Kansas and eastern Colorado today, with a chance for large hail and damaging winds. There is also a chance for severe weather over the northern Plains, where a tornado or two can't be ruled out in any storms that form. Keep an eye on the radar if you plan to go out later this afternoon, and be prepared to take action if severe weather threatens.
= Tornado Warning
= Severe T'storm Warning
= Flash Flood Warning
